I have my Dad’s Yashica-D and several photographs he took of me with it when I was very young. I remember him looking down through the top of the camera. He’s 94 now with early dementia and when I put this camera into his hands it all comes back to him, and he can explain how to use it. Thanks for the video. The camera may be worth $60+ but it’s priceless to me.
Film Purist. I concur with everything you say. I might add that a lens hood is really essential.With only 12 pics per roll,we put more thought into composition unlike some daft 'selfies' of iPhone users [whose choice I respect!]
I have a D as well as a 124G. I prefer the knob wind and looks of the D, but the ability to accidentally create multiple exposures is aggravating. I try to always remember to wind immediately after taking photo. Oh, filters are easy and very beneficial with most B&W films. A hood for the taking lens is a bonus also, since these lenses flare quite easily.
It's worth noting that Yashica ran two series of TLRs - knob wind and the more advanced crank wind (a la Rollieflex). The D represents the top of the knob wind line and has several advantages. The post-1970 models have a f2.8 viewing lens, giving a bright viewfinder. The knob wind cameras are also lighter than the crank winds. The knob winds also have the accessory shoe, which is convenient for attaching a shoe-mount meter, still available new. The crank wind cameras do not have a space for the shoe and do not have double exposure capability, but do have built-in meters, not particularly good. If you always advance the film after shooting you will avoid accidental double exposures. Having to cock the shutter before shooting means you can leave the shutter speed at a high setting and not worry about straining the shutter spring because the spring isn't activated until you cock the shutter. The D is may favorite Yashica TLR, and is not the most expensive.
Hey! Nice video! I suggest that you go out and film yourself while shooting with it. Those cameras are expensive, at least in my country. I don't own one. I'd love to see it in action. :)
Get the later model with the Yashinon 4 element lens. This one has the 3 element Yashikor on it. I couldn't really see from the video as there are no shots of the camera from the front.
Both lenses, viewing and taking, are Yashicor on this camera. I was able to read. I have exactly the same. I am thinking of getting one with Yashinon at least taking lens if I can find a decent one at a good price, though very difficult nowadays, but will be looking.
I bought one for €70. The seller claims it "works on all shutter speeds", but he has never used it. Thing is, a service for one of these may be about another €70.
I just began using a Yashica D that I purchased off Ebay. I think I got a very good deal on mine ($55) and all it needed was light seals and a bit of cleaning. I love the process of shooting with this camera and think that it's quite easy to get the hang up, especially the zone focusing using the focus scale. I do have one of the later models with the f/2.8 viewing lens and 4-element Yashinon taking lens. My first foray into medium format.
Both good and bad in a way. People are getting into film photography again, but the equipment is getting older and older so the supply and demand curves are shifting.
The Primo Jr, a/k/a Sawyers IV, shoots a 4x4cm image on 127 roll film, fairly uncommon these days. Popular for a short time in the late 1950s to early 60s because you can shoot 4x4cm slides and project them in a normal 35mm projectors. The Primo Jr is probably the best TLR of its type, even better than the Baby Rolleiflex.
Too true. The D is so basic in features and lens that it would be hard to find a TLR which does less. About par with a Kodak or early Ricoh TLR of the period, which cost very little. Blame YT, where fanboys would praise a turd is it got them clicks.
I have my Dad’s Yashica-D and several photographs he took of me with it when I was very young. I remember him looking down through the top of the camera. He’s 94 now with early dementia and when I put this camera into his hands it all comes back to him, and he can explain how to use it. Thanks for the video. The camera may be worth $60+ but it’s priceless to me.
Film Purist. I concur with everything you say. I might add that a lens hood
is really essential.With only 12 pics per roll,we put more thought into
composition unlike some daft 'selfies' of iPhone users [whose choice I respect!]
I have a D as well as a 124G. I prefer the knob wind and looks of the D, but the ability to accidentally create multiple exposures is aggravating. I try to always remember to wind immediately after taking photo. Oh, filters are easy and very beneficial with most B&W films. A hood for the taking lens is a bonus also, since these lenses flare quite easily.
It's worth noting that Yashica ran two series of TLRs - knob wind and the more advanced crank wind (a la Rollieflex). The D represents the top of the knob wind line and has several advantages. The post-1970 models have a f2.8 viewing lens, giving a bright viewfinder. The knob wind cameras are also lighter than the crank winds. The knob winds also have the accessory shoe, which is convenient for attaching a shoe-mount meter, still available new. The crank wind cameras do not have a space for the shoe and do not have double exposure capability, but do have built-in meters, not particularly good. If you always advance the film after shooting you will avoid accidental double exposures. Having to cock the shutter before shooting means you can leave the shutter speed at a high setting and not worry about straining the shutter spring because the spring isn't activated until you cock the shutter. The D is may favorite Yashica TLR, and is not the most expensive.
Hey! Nice video! I suggest that you go out and film yourself while shooting with it. Those cameras are expensive, at least in my country. I don't own one. I'd love to see it in action. :)
To use filters, just get a Bay-1 to 49mm or 52mm adapter and use normal threaded filters. I use 49mm on mine and love the Yashica D.
+Terry Freeman I don't know why that didn't occur to me, that's a great idea.
Get the later model with the Yashinon 4 element lens. This one has the 3 element Yashikor on it.
I couldn't really see from the video as there are no shots of the camera from the front.
Both lenses, viewing and taking, are Yashicor on this camera. I was able to read. I have exactly the same. I am thinking of getting one with Yashinon at least taking lens if I can find a decent one at a good price, though very difficult nowadays, but will be looking.
Anyone know how much it would be to sell one?
I love my Yashica-Mat!
I bought one for €70. The seller claims it "works on all shutter speeds", but he has never used it. Thing is, a service for one of these may be about another €70.
I just began using a Yashica D that I purchased off Ebay. I think I got a very good deal on mine ($55) and all it needed was light seals and a bit of cleaning. I love the process of shooting with this camera and think that it's quite easy to get the hang up, especially the zone focusing using the focus scale. I do have one of the later models with the f/2.8 viewing lens and 4-element Yashinon taking lens. My first foray into medium format.
2021 here, they’re not that affordable anymore
Both good and bad in a way. People are getting into film photography again, but the equipment is getting older and older so the supply and demand curves are shifting.
Can you confirm me if you know what type of roll you can use in a PRIMO JR (I think is a 4x4).
I am not sure but it looks like 35mm, as 120 is 6x6
The Primo Jr, a/k/a Sawyers IV, shoots a 4x4cm image on 127 roll film, fairly uncommon these days. Popular for a short time in the late 1950s to early 60s because you can shoot 4x4cm slides and project them in a normal 35mm projectors. The Primo Jr is probably the best TLR of its type, even better than the Baby Rolleiflex.
And now it costs 120$ or more :) welcome in 2020
That’s ridiculous... but the trend.
Too true. The D is so basic in features and lens that it would be hard to find a TLR which does less. About par with a Kodak or early Ricoh TLR of the period, which cost very little. Blame YT, where fanboys would praise a turd is it got them clicks.
Now more like 200
I was just looking on eBay and they are 200 plus and then postage. They are in fashion now I guess.